Fluid level measuring device

ABSTRACT

A fluid level measuring device, also referred to as a dipstick, for measuring the fluid level in a fluid reservoir or tank, such as an oil pan or transmission reservoir in an internal combustion engine. The fluid level measuring device includes a stationary tube assembly in which a dipstick assembly is disposed. The dipstick assembly includes a fluid level indicator measuring blade attached to an elongated shaft which is directly molded into a plastic handle assembly. The plastic handle assembly includes a bayonet type locking mechanism for locking the handle to the stationary tube assembly. A compressible seal forms a pressurized seal between the stationary tube assembly and the handle.

The subject matter herein is a continuation of previously filed U.S.patent application Ser. No. 08/976,781, filed Nov. 24, 1997, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,314,808 B1, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/607,690, filed on Feb. 27, 1996, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention is directed to a device used to measure fluidlevels, and more particularly, to dipsticks used to measure fluid levelsby immersing an indicator at one end of the dipstick into a fluidholding compartment.

With internal combustion engines, transmissions, and other machineryrequiring fluids for lubrication and cooling, it is known to use a fluidmeasuring device for indicating the fluid level in a selected fluidholding compartment. Typically, the fluid measuring device is a dipstickfor checking the level of fluid such as engine or transmission oil, orhydraulic fluid within one of the many fluid holding compartments in theengine, transmission, or other machine. The dipstick is normally anelongated indicator that is slidably located within a conduit or pipeattached to the engine, transmission, or machine in which a fluid levelindication is desired. When the dipstick is fully inserted into theconduit, one end is immersed into the fluid. When an actual reading ofthe fluid level is desired, the other end of the dipstick is pulled fromthe conduit thereby removing the entire dipstick from the conduit toallow the user to read the fluid level from the one end. The dipstick isthen reinserted into the fluid compartment once the fluid level has beenchecked.

Traditional fluid level indicator systems typically consist of a twopiece system with a holding tube and a dipstick. The holding tubes aregenerally fabricated from metal tubing and require various formingoperations including bending, flaring, and machining, followed by theattachment of a dipstick receptacle. In addition, the dipstick isfabricated from multiple components including a handle, washer, cap,rubber stopper, shaft assembly, and a marked spring steel shaftmechanically joined to a spring steel blade. The actual assembly ofthese various components involves multiple assembly operations requiringcostly, time-consuming, and labor intensive manufacturing steps.Therefore, a simpler design requiring fewer parts and connections aswell as less forming is desirable.

In addition, today's engines, transmissions, and machinery designs aresmaller, more compact, and of less weight than traditional engines,transmissions, and machinery. Therefore, fluid level indicator systemsmust be smaller, more compact, and lighter weight. Moreover, the fluidaccess routes or paths through which the fluid level indicator systemaccesses the fluid storage compartments are becoming more complex (moretwists and turns as well as longer runs), smaller, and more compact. Theresult is a need for smaller and lighter weight fluid level indicatorsystems with improved flexibility.

It is also desirable to provide a fluid level indicator system allowingaccess to the fluid compartment while assuring a secure, sealed closureof the access when fluid level determinations are not being made and/oradditional fluid is not being added. This sealed closure would preventunnecessary loss of the fluids during operation as well as supply levelpressurization. Moreover, a positive indication that the dipstick issecurely in place is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention represents an improvement over the presently-knowndipsticks which measure fluid levels when immersed in a fluidcompartment.

The fluid level measuring device includes a stationary tube assemblyextending from the fluid compartment in which a dipstick is disposed.The dipstick includes a plastic handle that is directly joined or moldedto one end of a flexible shaft, such as a spring steel wire shaft. Aprecision stamped fluid level indicator blade extends from a second endof the shaft and is preferably attached to the flexible shaft by eitherdie casting, spin welding, ultrasonic welding, or other, bonding means,or by means of a fitting or other connector. The tube assembly ispreferably made of a plastic material with an enlarged end. Lugs extendfrom the end and provide a bayonet interconnection between the tube andthe handle assembly by twisting the handle assembly relative to thetube. This causes interengagement of the lugs with slots in the handle.A steel engine fitting extends from the tube and serves to guide theindicator blade to an appropriate location within the fluid cavity.

A gasket acts as a pressure lock seal for sealing the handle to theenlarged end when the lugs are locked in the slots. This pressure lockseal serves to allow significant pressurization within the dipstick andoil pan or other chamber the dipstick is affixed to.

The bayonet interconnection in unison with the gasket supplies an actualpressurized seal not found in any of the prior art assemblies, therebyallowing pressurized testing of the combustion engine, transmission, orother machinery without either removal of the dipstick or attempts atsealing the dipstick. Furthermore, a sealed dipstick allows thecombustion engine, transmission, or other machinery to run at theintended pressure rather than either below the intended pressure or atthe intended pressure due to an adjustment.

The structure is manufactured from lightweight, corrosion-resistant,plastic materials with the exception of the flexible metallic shaft,attachment fitting, blade, and metal engine fitting. The seal andlocking engagement between the handle and enlarged end preferablyinvolves a quarter-turn sealing motion with an improved sealingcapability and a positive lock feature.

It is an object of the invention to provide a fluid level indicatingsystem capable of being in fluid communication with the combustionengine, transmission, or other machinery to which it is affixed whilemaintaining a constant pressurization therein through an improved methodof sealing. Specifically, a seal that is capable of maintaining severalatmospheres (at least 1 to 1.5 atm.) of back pressure is desirable.

It is another object of the invention to provide a positive engaging,yet easy to use, locking arrangement for securely locking and sealingthe dipstick within or over the tube with an easy motion. It is alsodesirable that this sealing of the dipstick within the tube is such thatthe tube may be pressurized to the same back pressure as the combustionengine, transmission, or other machinery.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a smaller andmore compact fluid level indicating system which has improvedflexibility for routing of the fluid level indicator system in andaround the complex design of today's engines, transmissions, andmachinery.

In addition, it is yet another object of the invention to provide a morecorrosion-resistant, lighter weight, less complex, higher precision andmore cost effective fluid level indicator system.

Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding ofthe following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangementsof parts, a preferred embodiment and method of which will be describedin detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the fluid level measuring device including thestationary tube assembly with a dipstick inserted therein having ahandle attached to one end thereof;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the fluid level measuring device;

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the fluid measuring device of FIG.1;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are front and side elevational views, respectively, ofanother preferred sealing gasket;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are elevational views of further preferred embodiments ofgrommet seals;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view, in partial cross-section, of the end ofthe dipstick assembly using the seal of FIG. 7 received on the tubeassembly; and

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the end of the dipstick assemblyincorporating yet another preferred grommet embodiment for sealing theend of the tube assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposesof illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention only and notfor purposes of limiting the invention, the overall arrangement of thepreferred construction of the fluid level measuring device A can best beunderstood by reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. As illustrated therein, thefluid level measuring device A comprises a stationary tube assembly Bwith a dipstick assembly C removably disposed therein. Specifically,tube assembly B is an elongated, hollow guide tube 10 with first andsecond spaced ends 12 and 14 having a through passage 16 thatcommunicates with first and second openings 18 and 20 at the respectivefirst and second ends.

The tube assembly B further includes an enlarged diameter coupler orspout 22 attached to the first end 12 of the guide tube 10. In apreferred embodiment, the coupler is joined to the first end 12 of theguide tube as described herein. The coupler 22 has a small diameterportion 24, a flare or tapered transition portion 26, and a largediameter portion 28 at its second end. The small diameter portion isclosely received over the guide tube first end. The large diameterportion includes a pair of outwardly extending lugs 30A and 30B thatform a portion of a locking assembly to be described in greater detailbelow. The coupler is also hollow, defining a continuous internal cavitythat extends from a first or upper end 32 to a second or lower end 34.The internal cavity is enlarged at the upper end to accommodate aninterconnection between the shaft and a handle, and to provide anorifice for receiving a spout on a fluid container, such as an oilcontainer. For example, the spout of a standard quart of oil will fit inthis enlarged upper end. Alternatively, the enlarged upper end may bedimensioned to receive a different sized oil container. It will beappreciated, however, that the enlarged upper end will eliminate use ofa funnel in many instances.

Dipstick assembly C includes a plastic molded handle assembly 50, anelongated relatively stiff, yet bendable shaft 52 such as the strandedwire rope, illustrated in the drawings, and a fluid level indicatorblade 54. The handle 50 includes gripping portion 56 connected to ahollow cylindrical base 58 by a neck 60 of reduced dimension. Thegripping portion preferably has a pair of knobs 62A and 62B extendingoutwardly and obliquely from the neck 60. The base 58, on the otherhand, has a paid of slots 64A and 64B defined therein. In the preferredembodiment, each slot extends entirely through the base sidewall and isof a generally curvilinear conformation. The slots have an opening atone end along lower edge 66 of the base and a locking seat 68 at theother end of the curvilinear slot. Each of the curvilinear slots 64A and64B is defined so as to have an axial portion aligned approximately withthe shaft, and likewise the tube assembly B, and positioned adjacent thelower edge 66 of the base 58, and a generally transverse portion at theother end of the slots and in which locking seat 68 is defined.

The combination of slot 64A and 64B with lugs 30A and 30B defines alocking mechanism or bayonet type interconnection where lugs 30A and 30Bslide in slots 64A and 64B. Axial insertion of the handle over the lugsand a quarter turn causes the handle base to slide over the coupler 22whereby the lugs 30A and 30B become positively engaged in correspondinglocking seats 68.

Shaft 52 is joined, bonded, molded, glued, or otherwise connected tohandle assembly 50 to provide a secure interconnection that is not laborintensive to form. Fluid level indicator blade 54 is affixed to theother end of the shaft 52 by die casting (or alternatively, by a stakedattachment fitting 70 or other suitable mechanical connection). The diecast construction eliminates tolerance stack-up problems associated withprior arrangements, reduces the number of components, and provides asmooth transition fitting that does not catch in the guide tube. Theindicator blade 54 is typically rounded or pointed at its free end toallow for easy insertion into the coupler 22, through the guide tube 10,and through engine fitting 72. The indicator blade also includesindicia, such as shaded area 74A and arrows 74B and 74C on at least oneof the faces of the blade, for indicating the fluid level when dipstickassembly C is inserted fully into stationary tube assembly B thatextends from the engine fitting.

Engine fitting 72 is compression sealed or press fit within secondopening 20 of the guide tube 10. Alternatively, the fit may be a tightseal, a threaded fitting, or other connector, or the fit may involvebonding, gluing, molding, or other means of sealably connecting. A lip76 prevents engine fitting 72 from complete insertion into elongatedguide tube 10. The opposite end of engine fitting 72 is attached orbonded to a fluid reservoir or tank, such as found in an internalcombustion engine, where it is desirous to measure the fluid levelwithin the reservoir. In one embodiment, this engine fitting is made ofsteel and has a serrated outer surface 78 (although alternatively, theouter surface may be roughened, knurled, or of other texture).

With the engine fitting 72 connected to a fluid reservoir and providingaccess for dipstick assembly C, the opposite end of stationary tubeassembly B, i.e., the coupler 22, is secured at a convenient locationremote from engine fitting 72. The elongated through passageway thatconnects coupler 22 and engine fitting 72 thereby provides access to thefluid in the reservoir via dipstick assembly C. Specifically, fluidlevel indicator blade 54 is inserted through the coupler, and guide tube10 such that the free end of blade 54 is immersed into the fluid in thereservoir. It will be appreciated that since the shaft is bendable, theguide tube can adopt twists and turns along its route and, the dipstickassembly can accommodate the tortuous path. For the blade 54 to be fullyinserted, handle 56 must engage and interlock with coupler 22 and lugs30A and 30B extending therefrom. Specifically, lugs 30A and 30B alignwith the open end of slot 64A and 64B respectively, whereby the handleis further forced over the coupler 22 resulting in lugs 30A and 30Bfollowing the curvilinear shape of slots 64A and 64B until locked inlocking seats 68. The result is the rotation by approximately 90° of thehandle about the coupler 22 as lugs 30A and 30B move from the axialportion of the respective slots into the transverse portion andeventually the locking seat 68.

A seal 80 (FIG. 3) is located in the base of cavity 82, and preferablyglued, bonded or otherwise affixedly seated within the cap. The sealprovides a pressure lock seal when the dipstick assembly is fullyreceived in the guide tube. This seal has sufficient elasticity to allowcompression of the seal by the coupler 22. This bayonet type lockingarrangement provides assurance that fluid level indicator blade 54 isproperly positioned for accurate fluid level readings as well asproviding a positive lock feature for assuring that handle 56 is lockedto stationary tube assembly B. Moreover, the seal provides sufficientsealing capabilities to allow the engine, transmission, or othermachinery to reach several atmospheres (preferably at least 1 to 1.5atm.) of back pressure without leakage. In addition, when fully seated,the seal prohibits contaminants from entering into the fluid reservoirwhere system integrity and reliability would be jeopardized, andprohibits unnecessary fluid loss from the assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupler 22 and guide tube 10 arefabricated from plastics while engine fitting 72 is manufactured of highheat tolerating metals or plastics. Handle 56 is preferably a moldedcomponent to or in which flexible shaft 52 is directly molded, joined,or otherwise connected. The handle is dimensioned to overlie orencompass the coupler or spout in its locked position to preventcontaminants from entering the guide tube. Moreover, the use of plasticsreduces corrosive effects and provides an overall reduction in systemweight. Yet another advantage of using plastic in forming a number ofthe components is that the system can be color-coded for ease of use bythe customer. Blade 54 is fabricated from steel or other comparablemetals or plastics and is attached to flexible shaft 52 by attachmentfitting 70 as described above. It will be appreciated, however, thatother suitable materials may be used without departing from the scopeand intent of the subject invention.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the subjectinvention. In this arrangement, a different configuration grommet 90 isshown. It, too is of annular construction and preferably includes aseries of legs 92 disposed in generally parallel relation and extendingacross the entire width of the annular grommet. That is, the legs areseparated by grooves 94 so that the legs extend outwardly a minordimension on the order of approximately 0.10 inch. An opposite face ofthe grommet 96 has a general planar conformation and fits within thebase of the cavity defined by the handle. Thus, as will be appreciated,the grommet may be adhesively secured or interference fit into the baseof the handle and is adapted to engage against send 32 of the spout. Thealternating legs and grooves on the face of the grommet that engages theend of the spout prevents a seal from being formed in this particularversion, however, by forming the grommet from an elastomeric materialsuch as neoprene, the positive locking capability described inassociation with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 is maintained. That is, theuser encounters a positive lock feel as the lugs enter the locking seatsin the end of the slots. The elastomeric nature of the grommet serves asan integral portion of the locking function as the lugs 30 extendthrough the grooves 64, 66 in the handle. Engagement is made between thehandle and the end of the spout. The lugs then pass the over-centerposition in the groove and urge the handle outwardly while maintainingthe compressed relationship and ensuring a locked condition between thehandle and the guide tube.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate yet another version of a seal 100 that provides allof the same features and benefits of those shown and described in theearlier embodiments. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate two similar grommet seals100 so that like components will be referred to by like referencenumerals with a primed suffix (′) in FIG. 7. The grommet has an enlargedshoulder 102 at one end that is received in the base of the handle. Theshoulder has an outer diameter sufficient to engage against the axialend of the spout and perform the combined sealing and locking functionas described above. In addition, a seal is formed in a radial directionwith the wall of the spout by providing a circumferentially continuoussealing bead 104 (FIG. 6) or pair of beads 104; 106 (FIG. 7). In thesepreferred arrangements, the sealing bead(s) is(are) integrally formed asa part of the grommet seal to reduce the number of components, eliminateadditional assembly, and provide for an assembly that meets closetolerance specifications. Thus, as best illustrated in FIG. 8, once thehandle is in the locked and sealed position, terminal end of the spoutis sealed against shoulder 102. In addition, the seal beads 104, 106engage the radial inner wall of the spout to provide an enhanced seal.In these embodiments, the seals form an interference fit with thehandle. Thus, the enlarged shoulder 102 is dimensioned to form aninterference fit in the base of the handle in addition to being sizedfor engagement with the terminal end of the spout. In substantially allother respects, these arrangements are identical to the embodimentsdescribed above.

FIG. 9 shows yet another preferred embodiment that provides both aneffective seal and positive locking feature. Here, the grommet or seal110 is integrally molded into the handle. The seal has an annularconfiguration that extends from the planar interior base of the handle.The seal is circumferentially continuous and has a tapered or flaredradial outer face 112 that is dimensioned for sealing engagement withthe spout. The tapered conformation serves the dual purpose of sealingthe handle and spout, as well as providing the positive locking functiondescribed above. When the handle is in the fully locked position, theterminal end of the spout engages the integrally molded seal in the baseof the cap in an axial direction and the tapered wall 112 sealinglyengages the radial inner wall of the spout.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Forexample, although the described embodiments extensively use plastic asthe preferred material of construction, it is understood that othermaterials can be used for selected components if so desired. Likewise,mere reversal of components that achieve substantially the same functionand result are contemplated. For instance, the seal and locking featurescan be achieved by differently configured seals and/or lug and slotarrangements without departing from the present invention. It isintended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentsthereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is claimed:
 1. An apparatus formeasuring fluid levels in an associated fluid reservoir in an engine,transmission, or other machinery, said fluid level measuring apparatuscomprising: an elongated relatively stiff, yet bendable shaft havingfirst and second spaced ends; a stationary tube extending from theassociated fluid reservoir having an open end for receiving the shafttherein; a fluid level indicator blade attached to the first end of theshaft and dimensioned for receipt through the stationary tube and intothe reservoir for providing an indication of a fluid level; a handlejoined to the shaft; a locking assembly received on the handle and thestationary tube for selectively locking the handle in a locked positionto the stationary tube upon complete insertion of the shaft into thetube wherein the locking assembly includes a pair of slots in the handlethat receive lugs extending from the stationary tube and the slots havean axial portion aligned with the direction of insertion of the shaftinto the tube and a generally transverse portion requiring the handle torotate to reach the locked position; and a compressible memberinterposed between the handle and the open end of the stationary end ofthe tube wherein the compressible member is adhesively secured to thehandle and the compressible member is dimensioned to urge the handletoward the locked position and prevent inadvertent removal of thehandle.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the compressible member isan elastomeric material that seals between the handle and the stationarytube.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the elastomeric seal furthercomprises a seal face that is dimensioned for receipt in the stationarytube and sealingly engaging an interior wall thereof.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the compressible member is dimensioned for aninterference fit with the handle.
 5. An apparatus for measuring fluidlevels in an associated fluid reservoir in an engine, transmission, orother machinery, said fluid level measuring apparatus comprising: anelongated shaft having first and second spaced ends; a stationary tubeextending from the associated fluid reservoir having an open end forreceiving the shaft therein; a fluid level indicator blade attached tothe first end of the shaft and dimensioned for receipt through thestationary tube and into the reservoir for providing an indication of afluid level; a handle joined to the shaft; a locking assembly receivedon the handle and the stationary tube for selectively locking the handlein a locked position to the stationary tube upon complete insertion ofthe shaft into the tube wherein the locking assembly includes a pair ofslots in the handle that receive lugs extending from the stationary tubeand the slots have an axial portion aligned with the direction ofinsertion of the shaft into the tube and a generally tranverse portionrequiring the handle to rotate to reach the locked position; and acompressible member interposed between the handle and the open end ofthe stationary end of the tube wherein the compressible member includesa series of legs spaced by grooves extending outwardly therefrom forengagement with the open end of the stationary tube, and thecompressible member is dimensioned to urge the handle toward the lockedposition and prevent inadvertent removal of the handle.
 6. The apparatusof claim 5 wherein the compressible member is an elastomeric materialthat seals between the handle and the tube.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6wherein the elastomeric member includes a bead profile that sealsagainst an inner wall of the stationary tube.
 8. The apparatus of claim7 wherein the bead profile includes first and second circumferentiallycontinuous, spaced beads that seal against the inner wall of thestationary tube.
 9. An apparatus for measuring fluid levels in anassociated fluid reservoir in an engine, transmission, or othermachinery, said fluid level measuring apparatus comprising: an elongatedshaft having first and second spaced ends; a stationary tube extendingfrom the associated fluid reservoir having an open end for receiving theshaft therein; a fluid level indicator blade attached to the first endof the shaft and dimensioned for receipt through the stationary tube andinto the reservoir for providing an indication of a fluid level; ahandle joined to the shaft; a locking assembly received on the handleand the stationary tube for selectively locking the handle in a lockedposition to the stationary tube upon complete insertion of the shaftinto the tube wherein the locking assembly includes a pair of slots inthe handle that receive lugs extending from the stationary tube and theslots have an axial portion aligned with the direction of insertion ofthe shaft into the tube and a generally transverse portion requiring thehandle to rotate to reach the locked position; and a compressiblesealing member interposed between the handle and the open end of thestationary end of the tube wherein the compressible sealing member isadhesively secured to the handle and the member is dimensioned to urgethe handle toward the locked position and prevent inadvertent removal ofthe handle and the sealing member further including a seal face forsealing against an inner wall of the stationary tube.
 10. The apparatusof claim 9 wherein the sealing member is dimensioned for an interferencefit within the handle.
 11. A fluid level measuring apparatus comprising:a shaft comprising first and second ends and wherein a fluid levelindicator blade is attached to a first end of the shaft, a tube having afirst end having a coupler with an open end for receiving at least oneend of the shaft and wherein said coupler has at least one lug extendingtherefrom, and a second end having a fitting, which is compressionsealed on the tube, that guides the blade within a fluid containingcavity, a handle associated with the second end of the shaft and havingat least one curvilinear slot defined in the handle wherein one end ofsaid slot is open and dimensioned to engage said lug and another end ofsaid slot terminates in a locking seat, and; a gasket that is located inand extends from the base of the handle to contact the end face of thecoupler and an inner surface of the coupler and wherein said gasketseals the handle and tube when said lug engages said locking seat.
 12. Afluid level measuring apparatus comprising: a shaft comprising first andsecond ends and wherein a fluid level indicator blade is associated withthe first end of the shaft, a tube having an open end for receiving atleast one end of the shaft and wherein said tube has at least one lugextending therefrom, and a second end having a fitting, which is pressfit onto the tube, for engaging a fluid reservoir, a handle associatedwith the second end of the shaft and having at least one nonlinear slotdefined in the handle wherein one end of said slot is open anddimensioned to engage said lug, and; a compressible elastomeric memberthat extends from the base of the handle and contacts the end of thetube.
 13. An apparatus comprising: a tube having a first end associatedwith a coupler that has an open end and wherein said coupler has atleast one lug extending therefrom, and a second end having a fittingthat engages a fluid reservoir access, a handle having at least onecurvilinear slot defined in the handle wherein one end of said at leastone slot is open and dimensioned to engage said at least one lug andanother end of said at least one slot terminates in a least one lockingseat, and; a compressible elastomeric member that extends from the baseof the handle to contact the end face of the coupler and wherein saidmember urges the handle and tube into a locked position when said atleast one lug engages said at least one locking seat.
 14. A fluid levelmeasuring apparatus comprising: a shaft comprising first and second endsand wherein a fluid level indicator blade is associated with a first endof the shaft, a tube having a first end having a coupler with an openend for receiving at least one end of the shaft and wherein said couplerhas at least one lug, and a second end having a fitting, which isconnected to the tube, that guides the blade within a fluid containingcavity, a handle associated with the second end of the shaft and havingat least one curvilinear slot defined in the handle wherein one end ofsaid slot is open and dimensioned to engage said lug and another end ofsaid slot terminates in a locking seat, and; a gasket affixed to thehandle that engages the coupler when said lug engages said locking seatand wherein said gasket urges the handle into a locked position whensaid at least one lug engages said at least one locking seat.
 15. Anapparatus comprising: a tube comprising a first end joined to a couplerthat has an open end and wherein said coupler has at least one lug, anda second end comprising a fitting that engages a fluid reservoir, ahandle comprising at least one curvilinear slot defined in the handlewherein one end of said at least one slot is open and dimensioned toengage said at least one lug and another end of said at least one slotterminates in at least one locking seat, a shaft connected to the handlewherein said shaft is associated with a fluid level indicator blade and;a compressible gasket member affixed to the handle wherein said memberengages said coupler and urges the handle and tube into a lockedposition when said at least one lug engages said at least one lockingseat.
 16. An apparatus comprising: a tube comprising a first end joinedto a coupler that has an open end and wherein said coupler has at leastone lug, and a second end comprising a fitting that engages a fluidreservoir, a handle comprising at least one curvilinear slot defined inthe handle wherein one end of said at least one slot is open anddimensioned to engage said at least one lug and another end of said atleast one slot terminates in at least one locking seat and wherein saidat least one slot comprises an axial portion aligned generally with thedirection of insertion of the shaft into the tube and a generallytransverse portion, a shaft connected to the handle wherein said shaftis associated with a fluid level indicator blade and; a compressiblegasket member affixed to the handle for engaging the coupler.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 16 wherein said compressible gasket member provides aseal between said handle and coupler.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16wherein said compressible gasket member prevents a seal between saidhandle and coupler.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said at leastone lug extends outwardly from the coupler.
 20. The apparatus of claim16 wherein said handle is dimensioned to enclose said coupler.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 16 wherein the compressible gasket member is affixedwithin a cavity defined within the base of the handle.
 22. The apparatusof claim 16 wherein the compressible gasket member engages an axial endof the coupler.